Burger Place Hopes To Move Into Vacant Fairway Dodge Space

The name "Too Bobs Burgers and Ice Cream" might offend grammar purists, but to J.T. Bolger it's the former Fairway Dodge site that is aesthetically offensive.

Bolger wants to remake the unique Franklin Avenue building into a 2,500 square foot restaurant to serve burgers, hot dogs, salads and other Americana food. An ice cream stand would face the street.

Bolger, who is the son of real estate investor and philanthropist David Bolger, is the managing partner of the aptly-named 75 Franklin LLC., the site's development company.

On Tuesday night, Bolger presented site drawings to the planning board – which was short on members with one absent and the Chairman and Vice Chairman recusing themselves.

The plan includes two one-bedroom, high-end apartments above the restaurant, which will require an addition to the building.

Architect Peter Wells said that the design calls for 68 seats, outdoor seating (though the numbers have not yet been determined), twelve parking spots and two 1,000 square foot apartments. The grey building would be 28 feet high and the landscaping would be revamped with trees, grass, plant and flowerbeds replacing what's now just pavement and concrete.

Bolger's team, which included a traffic expert, site planner and an engineer, needs to balance the difficulties of accommodating enough parking and hedging safety concerns while making the small space attractive and functional. To do so, the 75 Franklin Ave. property, built in the early 1900's and renovated in the early-to-mid-part of the 20th century as a service station, will require variances to loading docks, parking spaces, setbacks and signage.

Village Planner Blais Brancheau, along with members of the planning board, had concerns with whether the number of parking spots is proportionate to the amount of business the site could take in.

He said the plan would require vehicles to exit onto a sidewalk, which is a worry with the issue of pedestrian safety already existing in the village.

Bernadette Walsh, who also serves on the village council, also said she's concerned that pedestrians walking from the YMCA and other spots within the village could be in danger under the current parking configuration. Those exiting also wouldn't be able to turn left onto Franklin Avenue, as there is a turning lane between east-bound and west-bound traffic.

The applicant's traffic expert, Jay Troutman, testified that the proposal would attempt to use as much municipal parking as possible and that they could revisit the parking setup. He noted that most restaurants with the proposed amount of tables would have 23 parking spots. The plan calls for nine (three spots are reserved for tenants; the village ordinance requires 18 spots for a similar lot).

Troutman told the board that a lot one block away is rarely at capacity and could help fulfill some of the parking needs. He added that due to the location and how much pedestrian business would be expected, the parking needs are somewhat mitigated.

Further, employees would be encouraged to park at another lot owned by Fourty Two Associates, at 79 Chestnut Street. Employees could also use the private lot after 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends as well.

Bolger testified that if the site is approved, it would take approximately five-to-six months to be constructed.

The review of the application will continue on Nov. 2.